Castro said in a column published by Cuban state media that it was too early to criticise Gaddafi. But he did urge protests against something that he claimed is planned: A US-led invasion to take control of Libya’s oil.

Venezuela and Libya are both members of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries.

Chavez, who has forged close ties with Gaddafi since taking office in 1999, has repeatedly accused Washington of conspiring to topple his own government. The self-proclaimed socialist says the United States wants to control Venezuela’s immense petroleum reserves.

US officials have scoffed at suggestions that Washington is plotting against Venezuela’s government.

Earlier on Thursday, Afif Tajeldine, Venezuela’s ambassador to Libya, said dozens of Venezuelans who were working in the country had been evacuated by their employers. At least 76 Venezuelans were living in Libya, the embassy said.

Tajeldine said they had all been staying at the embassy in the capital of Tripoli and only 13 remained on Thursday.